Hi everyone,

Just got back from another great Zedfest. Anyway, the event has never really took off as far as the 300's are concerned. And given that in my opinion we have the best Z car I keep wondering why we don't have a bigger following at this event so I wanted to ask for everyone's input.

 

Please be honest and even feel free to say if you've never heard of it as the promotion side could be 1 of the reason why not many 300's go.

 

I'm really wanting to know what would make you think, actually that event sounds good. Your ideas can be as hairy assed as you like. For those that don't know this is held at Sherbrooke Scout Camp near Nottingham.

 

For example, I was thinking of the following as ideas or changes...

-Time of the month - eg, do you get paid at the end of the month and the event is on after you've possibly spend your money on something else?

 

-Do we need more activity like sports games, climbing wall, archery etc?

 

-Maybe a drive out like a treasure hunt or something?

 

-Nissan to bring some cars for us to test drive (they did this with the 370Z a couple of years back), perhaps a GTR?

 

-Different Venue

 

-Bar

 

-Bouncy Castles

 

-RC Drift cars

 

You get the point, I'm just after ideas that would make you think, this sounds good and ill actually go. All constructive criticism welcome.

 

Many thanks,

Lee

Sherbrooke Scout Camp near Nottingham.

 

^^^I think that's your problem there.

 

Whilst I haven't been to the event itself, there doesn't seem to be much promotion of it on this forum at all. There never seems to be much enthusiasm which is generally generated by people talking about it and sharing photos from previous years.

 

Getting a local Nissan dealership involved 'could' be a good idea, it's what tends to happen at a lot of the larger US shows, regional smaller shows however, not so much.

 

I am not sure having that many activities that don't involve the vehicles is really the way forward anyway, it then seems like...well, if you're bored, we've arranged a climbing wall and archery lessons or whatever. Scenic cruises, possible a hog roast, maybe a bit meal out somewhere could be fun.

 

I think the venue is the biggest downfall though if I am perfectly honest. I personally have never had an ounce of enthusiasm when seeing the location at a 'Scout camp' - I can't imagine people people who haven't been before have either.

Edited August 12, 201411 yr by Funkysi

Give the number of members with partners & families who also sometimes come to these events we should think about going some stuff thats a bit less "gearhead" to allow these members to bring their families and them have something to do and enjoy it without spending a fortune.

I think the RC cars thing is a good idea there was an RC truck track at Tatton park and there were big queue's for it at £5 per go, not saying we should charge for it but it would be popular in my opinion.

I could put the Archery on, as an international archery myself I have more than enough suitable equipment to sort this for you.

However I would have to check that I am covered on my archery GB insurance though i'm sure it wont be an issue.

A marquee with a bar and a band is always a good idea, the entertainment at Lake Z was awesome, again not saying it has to be that sort of standard but booking a local band would not cost much i'm sure.

Driving games on a big screen etc etc.

Free trade stands would encourage some stalls with shiney stuff on them which cant be bad but then I guess its all about how much the venue is to hire in the first place.

 

BBQ / Hog roast would also be good, at the end of the day if we want more people to attend its got to be about more than just the cars, yes they are the focus but if we just do stuff involving the cars then events might diminish.

Look at the different stuff JAE has going on over the weekend, if it was just a show and shine event im sure it wouldn't be as well attended over the whole weekend.

 

The more different stuff you put on the more interest you raise in my opinion.

Sitting in a field for 4 hours after detail waxing my car and just talking Zed gets old real quick especially after 3 or 4 previous shows doing the same thing.

Some people like that sort of thing and that's fine but its not everyones cup of tea.

Are there any photos from the event that has just taken place?

The problem is and simon already highlighted this, the event has little buzz around it. I havent been so I don't know why. Those fancy fliers turn up I've had two make thier way to me this summer, but where's the photos from previous events? Where's the list if attendees? It feels like no one goes because of that no one goes...if you see what I'm saying. One of the hardest things to get over is the whole I don't want to meet a bunch of strangers in x place, once people have met once or twice they are more inclined to come to more events. Being able to turn upto an event and know you won't be Billy no mates is pretty important, that's why attendance lists are important.

There was quite a large attendance list for this event, I get the impression there must have been a few no shows?

^^^I think that's your problem there.

 

Whilst I haven't been to the event itself, there doesn't seem to be much promotion of it on this forum at all. There never seems to be much enthusiasm which is generally generated by people talking about it and sharing photos from previous years.

 

Getting a local Nissan dealership involved 'could' be a good idea, it's what tends to happen at a lot of the larger US shows, regional smaller shows however, not so much.

 

I am not sure having that many activities that don't involve the vehicles is really the way forward anyway, it then seems like...well, if you're bored, we've arranged a climbing wall and archery lessons or whatever. Scenic cruises, possible a hog roast, maybe a bit meal out somewhere could be fun.

 

I think the venue is the biggest downfall though if I am perfectly honest. I personally have never had an ounce of enthusiasm when seeing the location at a 'Scout camp' - I can't imagine people people who haven't been before have either.

 

I am going to agree with Si on this one....

 

....Going on the recent successes of Coventry and Beaulieu, I hate to say it, but I reckon the whole "car show in a field" idea is getting old. Whereas Coventry and Beaulieu had another, major, attraction to keep people interested - and to provide something for our wives/girlfriends/children etc to do, as opposed to standing around with a few Zedheads talking cars. IE those events were also proper days out; and not just another car show/meet.....

 

I reckon this type of thing is the way forward - JAE/Japfest etc are different, in that they are for much more than just one genre/marque of car. But for car (or Z/ZX) specific meets, it is certainly worth holding a gathering at a major tourist attraction - just to make it a day out for everyone. As a regular visitor to National Trust properties, I have seen many a car club holding very well patronised events/shows on my travels; from the MGB owners club, Jaguar Enthusiast's club right up to Rolls Royce and Bentley owners club meets, whilst I just happened to have been there!

 

Don't get me wrong, impromptu pub meets are also great - but they are local and (now) rarely draw a dozen cars out. If you want to increase attendances, arrange events at places where members can bring their families for a real day out; and somewhere with half decent catering already provided; not just a dodgy burger van!! We all lead busy lives - and weekend time spent with our partners/families is precious; so if we stage shows where our families can join us and not be bored shitless, I reckon we'll get more takers.

 

Richard:cool:

Seeing as most of the replies so far are from people who havnt been, i thought i,d add one from someone who had been once, and probably wouldnt go again

 

I went the year the 370 test drives were there, back then it had a bit more hype on this forum

 

If you went expecting to camp in a field, eat burgers, drink beer and have a laugh round a fire, then it did exactly what it said on the tin

 

There was a band, but to be honest i go to these things to get away from work

 

I enjoyed it, i had a laugh, i bought a few bits from other atendees, and wasnt at work it was basicaly a short camping holiday

 

Without the test drives the days could have been a bit boring as there was little else to do

 

I get the feeling that it used to be big on the selling your unwanted bits, but with the ease of internet selling that is not really a big atraction

 

The main reason i havnt been back, is its a long way to go for a few days camping, jae is an hour closer to home and has more atendees, Lakes has better views and a drive out and better facilaties.

 

I also agree with all the above people too, you cant polish a turd, sprinkling it with glitter doesnt work either when its a dried up old turd

 

Meets these days need an atraction, and benefit from a drive as part of it and as much as i like a bit of camping, its not for everyone

 

There are a lot more beulieu like events, wings and wheels at dunsfold ( where they film top gear) is a great family event and has club stands for example

Nicely put Ian.....:thumbup:

Guys, thank you all for you input so far. You all make some great and valuable points. Apart from the venue the main thing seems to be lack of promotion on here. Reminds me of Waynes World... "If you ask them, they will come!"

 

This event is strange for me as I really enjoy the weekend albeit just in a field with some great people.

 

There was a band this year and they were brilliant. Ian, ID say better than the lakes. I didn't know you did archery but I bet its loads of fun... Could be like robin hood in Sherwood forest for a day out.

 

There's the possibility of it being at another venue next year but I'm not yet clued up on that (and it ain't up to me).

 

I'll make sure the guys who need to know all this stuff here it.

 

Thanks again to all of you

should hold it at snetterton race track, pick a date when there always holding time attack days. and drifting as well. just turn up with a current car mot and a helmet and give it a go. also you and the children can have a ride in a drift car for twenty mins for a tenner. walk around the paddocks.and theres the largest toy shop there, in the country. no problems camping on site any time and have a resturant. we zed owners could pick a date when other stuff is going on as well, like japfeast and join in the show and shine as well.theres allways racing going on maybe we can camp and get a hogroast or some barbies on the go, as well. just a thought.